What was the swineherd in greek mythology?

Answer 1

If you are referring to the myth of when Persephone was kidnapped by Hades, the swineherd was the brother of Triptolemus. He saw the kidnapping take place, and, according to some versions, his brother Triptolemus told Demeter, Persephone's mother, what had happened. When Demeter learned what had occurred, she refused to let the earth grow, and mortals died of starvation. Zeus finally sent Hermes to fetch Persephone from the Underworld, but Hades gave Persephone a pomegranate first. She ate six of the seeds, and those who ate food of the Underworld had to remain there forever. When this was discovered, Zeus ordained that Persephone would spend one month for each seed in the Underworld, and the rest on earth, with her mother. That's how the Greeks explained winter, because Demeter wouldn't let the earth grow while Persephone was gone. But Demeter taught Triptolemus how to plant and sow grain, so he could teach others and mortals wouldn't starve in winter.